Minutes from
Unclassified Senate Meeting
February 12, 2009
University of Kansas
Minutes recorded & transcribed by Chris Claussen
Senators in attendance: John Augusto, Debbie Baker, Diann Burright, Chris Claussen, Abby Coffin, Audrey Coleman, Dan Coonfield, Paul Farran, Alyson Flaster, Gail James, Jeannette Johnson, Danny Kaiser, Mike Krings, Noelle Kurth, Allyson Layland, Paul Liechti, Rebecca Mayer, Susan Mercer, Denise Modin, Jason O’Connor, Amanda Ostrecko, Aaron Quisenberry, Mary Ann Rasnak, Peggy Robinson, Tom Ryan, Easan Selvan, Andrew Shoemaker, Xinkun Wang, Rick Whitmore, Phil Wilke
Excused: Claudia Bode, Angie Claussen, Susan Corrigan, Ed Foley, Megan Gannon, Teresa Kopsa, Lucy McGilley, Kathy Pribbenow, Lisa Shaw, Heidi Simon, Carolyn Thompson,
Absent: Angie Loving
The meeting was called to order at 12:01 PM by President Paul Farran.
The December 11 minutes were approved following discussion & clarification.
President’s report: Paul Farran
Paul & Jeannette are looking into uniting with WSU’s version of Unclassified Senate so as to gain representation with KBOR like other entities on the KBOR-recognized Unclassified Council.
Paul recognized that some Unclassified Senators catch flack from their supervisors for their time volunteering on behalf of US. Paul read a statement from Provost Lariviere in support of such volunteerism, and indicated that this statement will be added to the US website (ahem, Mike K.). Paul also requested that senators let him know if they catch flack.
Paul reports that the Task Force on Employee Benefits (Bill Crow, chair) is experiencing slow progress in discussion regarding domestic partnerships. Paul will be working with [Mary Berry?] and Kip Grosshans to prompt continued action.
SEN EX: Paul clarified some of the options and the challenges regarding Stop Day faced by the Calendar Committee, asked senators to share thoughts & ideas with him.
Paul asks senators to be aware that Danny Kaiser will be temporarily replaced by Phil Wilke on the University Senate and that Jeannette will be temporarily take his place at Sen Ex. Danny’s other duties call.
Consultant [Bob Bromberg?] from Olson Associates will be working with/for KU in the KU On Wheels/Lawrence Transit cooperative. Please share thoughts & ideas with Paul & Jeannette.
KBOR approached Paul about representing unclassified staff during the chancellor search. Paul states that the candidate should revere the tradition of shared governance at KU. Please forward candidate nominations to Paul.
Budget: thanks for participating in [US-sanctioned] events like the brownbag discussion with the Chancellor. Please continue to participate. Paul advises senators to share word of the Chancellor’s suggestion box and encourage people to share ideas through this mechanism. Additional event(s) are being worked on by Phil Wilke. Paul adds:
Paul shared a few of the concerns/issues that have been brought to his attention.
Layoffs vs. salary cuts and their effects on morale (provost opposes these);
Provost prefers furloughs to layoffs & salary cuts, Paul points out that administering them is very, very complicated.
What is Unclassified Senate’s stance on budget issues and how do we fairly represent our constituents? [much discussion]
Thoughts:
How do we know our position when so much is yet unknown?
What are we responding to?
If/then statements?
Are we represented with a place at the table of decision-makers?
What support is there for economic casualties?
What must be discussed to prepare constituents?
US should be prepared to hold emergency meeting(s) as needed.
Caution should be taken when communicating re: budget.
Paul will craft an encouraging communication that reiterates our representation with University governance (provost’s office and University Senate are examples), invites participation in the chancellor’s suggestion box and open forums, direct people to HREO and upcoming workshop for assistance.
Paul reminds us that this is a time for strategic reflection and increased efficiency.
University Wide Committee Reports
Jane Tuttle: Employee Recognition
Jane solicits volunteers
Call for nominations for peer recognition
process/rewards
eligibility
volunteer duties & perks
Amy Wierman: Judicial Board – no report
Unfinished Business
Tom Ryan – Unclassified Senate website remix
Improve resourcefulness & intuitiveness
Design vs. Content; function & audience
“Heroin content” (ha!) keeps users coming back
Keep it current – multiple content administrators possible
Senate feedback on Tom’s design is rather positive
Paul will send out notice of updates re: website
Phil Wilke & Mike Krings – legislative direct mail campaign
3-piece direct mail campaign, materials donated
Paper/envelopes/postage, etc
Senators given materials & assignment to handwrite notes to legislators (1st piece of campaign)
2nd piece to include letter/inserts, 3rd piece to include gimmick like a seed packet
Don’t use KU letterhead from your office! Hand write them! Don’t fax them from an 864 number!
New Business
Phil Wilke – rules & regs changes to amend December’s changes (see Phil for updated copy &/or content changed)
Article II item 1 (add KUEC) – passed
Article X Section 1 (3rd position clarification) – passed
Article I Section 5 – passed
Article IV Section 1 – passed
Article IV Section 3-4 – passed
Article X Section 1,2,3 – passed
Alexis McKinley Jones, for Heidi Simon & Ed Foley - KC Corporate Challenge
KU officially added as entity eligible to compete
more info to come, still work in progress
different athletic challenges over two months (May-June)
Represents “outreach” to KC corporate community
Experienced entities will mentor KU’s participation
Funding sources
Unclassified Senate
HREO
KUEC
KU’s upper administration
February meeting with KUMC folks aims to coordinate efforts
Additional Reports
Secretary – no report
Treasurer – Noelle Kurth
KC corporate challenge funding clarification
Allowed funding carryover to next FY unlikely
See professional development report below
Governance/representation chair – Phil Wilke: no report
Professional development chair – Allyson Flaster
- pplicants for professional development grant confirm need
Planning to fund 4
Discussion led to motion to fund additional grants, motion passed
Thanks to all committee volunteers
Public relations chair – Mike Krings: no report
Elections chair – Megan Gannon
Candidate collection begins this month
Call to senators for nominations
Elections will be March 23-April 3 (online)
Discussion regarding term lengths & future/retroactive application of said terms
University Support Staff – Maxine Younes
USS supports KC Corporate challenge in spirit, even if without funding to offer
Legislative direct mailing campaign seed packets discussed further
Student Senate – Mark Pacey ABSENT, no report
Meeting adjourned a little late, I didn’t get the time recorded.
Next meeting
Full Senate: Thursday, March 12, 2009: 12:00-1:30 PM; 204 Anderson Family Strength & Conditioning Center.
Executive Council: Thursday, February 26, 2009: 12:00-1:30 PM; Alcove G (312) Kansas Union.